The first electric vehicle was invented in 1832 by Robert Anderson. The vehicle didn’t go very fast or very far, and it wasn’t rechargable, but it did move under its own power.

In 1835 Thomas Davenport builds the first practical electric vehicle and receives a patent for his electric motor design in 1837.

In 1859 Gaston Plante’ invents the rechargeable lead-acid battery and further improves the practicality of the electric vehicle.

In 1885 Karl Benz of Mercedes Benz, invents the firs internal combustion engine vehicle, the automobile. 55 years after the invention of the electric vehicle.

In 1891 William Morrison builds the first successful electric vehicle in the United States.

During the late 1800’s and early 1900’s electric cars are more popular and sell in greater numbers than gasoline powered cars.

A number of the large automotive manufactures in the United States offer electric cars.

The Baker electric is one of the more popular electric vehicles of its time. Although the specifications are not impressive by today’s standards, in the early 1900’s this was car was impressive.

The Model T was the beginning of the end for the first generation of electric vehicles. The Model T was built on an assembly line, and sold for $600, at a time when electric vehicles were hand made and sold for $1600.

By 1913 even Thomas Edison conceded that the electric cars days we over.

The first generation of electric cars went out of production because of Limited Range, Limited Power, High Production Costs, and Limited Battery Life. The gasoline powered car simply became more practical and more economical than an electric car.